Spring 2005 Bethany Report

SPRING 2005

Bethany report

the magazine of bethany lutheran college

4 Commencement brings another first for BLC 7 Multi Ethnic Center has important mission 9 Speech team competes in St. Louis

from the president

A major opportunity T

o highlight the increasing number of options available to our students, the Report has recently featured articles on some of our majors. Music, theatre, and elementary education have all been profiled. This issue puts a major that is near and dear to my heart in the spotlight: chemistry. I’d like to take a few lines here to talk about academic majors at Bethany Lutheran College.

It was May 2001 when thirty-two seniors became the first graduates to receive a bachelor’s degree bearing the BLC seal. At that time only four majors were available for a bachelor’s course of study. Our 2005 graduates represent a spectrum of twelve majors. This fall, incoming freshman will chose from sixteen: broad field social studies, business administration, chemistry, church music, communication, elementary education, engineering, English, history, human biology, liberal arts, music, psychology, sociology, studio art, and theatre. To think that Bethany Lutheran College would be able to offer so many choices this early in our existence as a four-year institution is a tremendous blessing and affords our students a rich array of opportunities.

The Bethany faculty has made a huge investment and commitment of time and creative energy to move as quickly as it has into the baccalaureate realm. The growth in course offerings is the result of comprehensive curricular planning, development, and implementation. As we move President Dan Bruss forward, this will require even more energy and focus, since the development of future majors delicately rests on the balance of careful management of institutional resources along with the current needs of our students, constituencies, and society. I am fully confident that the faculty remains up to the challenge.

Selecting programs to elevate to the status of major are critical decisions.

Such programs require a long-term commitment of institutional resources.

Students choose majors that not only pique their interests, but also offer them employment or the opportunity for continued studies. At the same time, they are best served by programs that help them effectively think, write, speak, and interact with colleagues. Bethany has long cherished a deliberate liberal arts emphasis for its students, undergirded by a solid foundation in the Christian faith. This continues to be our mission.

A hearty thank you goes to Bethany’s alumni and friends for your role in helping us to move forward. Your prayers and generous financial support, combined with a clear institutional mission and the energy and creativity of our talented faculty, are the ingredients essential to meet our students’ needs for years to come.

Bethany report editor | Lance Schwartz design, photography | David Norris

proof readers | Mary Hansen Jon Kovaciny Tami Tillman contributors | Greg Costello Tami Tillman Lance Schwartz Please direct all correspondence, letters, news, corrections, and comments to: Bethany Lutheran College Bethany report 700 Luther Drive Mankato, MN 56001-6163 Email: alumni@blc.edu | www.blc.edu 507.344.7000 | 800.944.3066 FAX: 507.344.7417 ISSUE: CI The Report is published quarterly by the Bethany Lutheran College public relations office and distributed free of charge to the college’s students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.

All contents © COPYRIGHT 2005 Bethany Lutheran College. Articles, images or photographs may not be reproduced without written permission.

Mission: Bethany Lutheran College, owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, is a private, residential, liberal arts college committed to the teachings of the Bible as set forth in the Lutheran Confessions. Bethany provides studies culminating in a bachelor of arts degree.

The college serves Lutherans and others by offering a challenging, student-centered approach to education that fosters spiritual development, intellectual and creative growth, self-understanding, and responsible citizenship.

In keeping with its heritage, Bethany aspires to produce students with a clear understanding of Christian vocation, which calls for people to make the most of their Godgiven talents in whatever walk of life they pursue.

Bethany Lutheran College Board of Regents: Rev. John A. Moldstad, Sr., Chair Harold A. Theiste, Vice Chair Rev. Kenneth V. Schmidt, Secretary Willis Anthony, Ph.D. Rev. Mark Bartels Jon C. Bruss Paul T. Chamberlin Lyle Fahning Rev. Herbert C. Huhnerkoch Roland Reinholtz Rev. J. Kincaid Smith, D.Min. Rev. Joel Willitz Advisory Members: Pres. Dan R. Bruss, Ph.D. Rev. Lawrence A. Burgdorf Rev. John A. Moldstad, ELS President William Overn Rev. Milton E. Tweit

On the cover: Graduates process from Old Main to the Sports and Fitness Center.

This marks the first year that only the BA graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. In the past, AA graduates have participated in the ceremony.

(Photo illustration by David Norris)

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report | spring 2005

from the chapeL May 2, 2005 “We Pray an ‘Unfamiliar’ Prayer to a Familiar Father” Luke 11:1-4: And it happened that while [Jesus] was in a certain place, praying, when he stopped one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “Whenever you pray, say: ‘Father, let your name be made holy; let your kingdom come; give us our daily bread every day; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who commits a sin against us; and do not lead us into temptation.’”

“OK,” you may be thinking, “who changed it?

What you just read sounds like the Lord’s Prayer, but is it from the Reader’s Digest version of the Bible?

What happened to the “real” Lord’s Prayer?..the “Our Father, who art in heaven,”…“thy will be done,” etc.? I can assure you, I did take the text straight from Luke’s Gospel. He just happens to record Jesus teaching his prayer to his disciples in another way, perhaps on a different occasion from what Matthew recorded in his Gospel.

What probably bothers you about this version of the Lord’s Prayer is very simple: it’s not as Rev. Michael Smith familiar. What if the Church through the ages had decided to use this version of the Lord’s Prayer instead of the version from Matthew’s Gospel? Then this version from Luke’s Gospel would be the “familiar” one to us.

And it sure would have made memorizing Luther’s Catechism on the Lord’s Prayer a little easier (since it’s shorter)!

We like things that are familiar. We get comfortable with them. Look at little children as an example.

As they grow and develop, children like routine, they like familiarity. They crave structure in their lives.

And even as they grow a little older, they still want structure, as they constantly test to see where their boundaries are.

So when we encounter this “unfamiliar” version of the Lord’s Prayer, what might be another reaction (in addition to getting a little miffed that it’s the “wrong” one!)? It might make us stop and actually think about what we’re praying. You know we’re guilty of it, don’t you?...of blowing through the Lord’s Prayer without education that lasts beyond a lifetime

even thinking about what we’re praying?! We can’t even count the number of times we’ve prayed the Lord’s Prayer in our lives, we’ve prayed it so often.

And so when we come to that part of the liturgy, and the pastor leads off with “Our Father…,” we obediently break into our mantra and our minds drift. Or perhaps even when we Norwegian Lutherans sing the Lord’s Prayer, we concentrate more on getting the notes right (especially if we’re worried about being flat when the organ breaks in at the end).

I think one of the saddest parts of whizzing through the familiar Lord’s Prayer is not concentrating on the fifth petition: “and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who commits a sin against us.”

Oops! Again, the “unfamiliar” version. But that does make us stop and think, to stop and contemplate what stands in the way between us and “our Father,” doesn’t it?...our sins! Our sins which drag us away from God instead of to him. Our sins which bring doom, death, and despair instead of what our Father truly wants for us (eternal life). Our sins against which we struggle every day to overcome, in which we seem hopelessly mired… …If we didn’t have a heavenly Father who takes those sins away! You see, this version of the Lord’s Prayer may be unfamiliar, but it draws our attention to a familiar Father.

I know we’re closer to Mother’s Day than Father’s Day, but what do you think of when you think of “father”? That’s a hard question for more and more people. In this country many believe about fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce. No longer is “Ozzie and Harriet” or “the Cleaver Family” the typical American family. Many children today grow up thinking of their “father” as the guy that comes by every once in a while for a visit. Statistics show that girls who at some time and for various reasons feel abandoned by their father are more likely to become pregnant as teenagers. Some children are being raised by two mommies instead of a mom and a dad. And even when we consider intact homes, how many workaholic fathers for all practical purposes aren’t around?

I don’t point out all these variances from what we might consider “normal” to cause us to rally for curing certain social ills in our country. I point them out Chapel continued on page 5 3

campus news

Another first for commencement C

ommencement at Bethany had a different look and feel this year. For the first time in over seventy-five years, there were no associate in arts degrees awarded. The ceremony, held on Friday, May 13, included only bachelor of arts graduates.

A total of forty-three graduates made the traditional march from Old Main to the Sports and Fitness Center in order to participate in the ceremony. Academic honors were bestowed on twenty-six of the graduates.

This year’s guest speaker was Dr. Kevin Woller, a 1990 graduate of Bethany.

More photographs, a listing of the graduates, and a form to order a video of the ceremony are posted on our Web site at: www.blc.edu/commencement.

Top: Theatre major Jacob Yenish with President Bruss Above: Joshua Mears, Bethany’s first psychology major graduate with family Left: Elementary education major graduates (from left) Brooke Kriewall, Jill Merseth, Tara Datwyler, Joni Moldstad Far left, top: Guest speaker Dr. Kevin Woller Far left, bottom: President Bruss

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report | spring 2005

Chapel continued from page 3

simply to illustrate that one thing that is supposed to be familiar is less and less familiar to many. The one thing? Again, we may be looking at an “unfamiliar” prayer today, but again we Christians know we pray that prayer to a familiar Father!

God our Father is familiar in two ways.

First, he makes himself familiar by what he tells us about himself in Scripture. he is strong, since he is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. he is fair, since he “plays by his own rules,” if you will – he told Adam and Eve, “If you sin, you die,” and they did – they sinned and they died!

But God is also loving, promising to Adam and Eve a plan to purchase them back from sin and death. Our Father is also faithful, because he carried out that plan by sending his own Son Jesus to rescue us from eternal hell.

Second, God our Father is familiar because he is always with us. Now, don’t think of this in a negative way, as if in this case the cliché “familiarity breeds contempt” were true. I suppose it could be, if we viewed God only as an overbearing ogre, constantly watching over our shoulder, ready to call us on the carpet every time we sinned. God constantly

campus news being with us is a comfort. “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you,” he assures us (Joshua 1:5). It doesn’t matter where we are or what we’re doing, God is with us. When our life seems good, God is with us. When things aren’t so good, and maybe it seems God has left us, guess who actually moved?!

Which brings us back to the Lord’s Prayer.

Whether we say the word or not, we’re still addressing our Father. Our Father is not just “some guy” out there; he made us part of his family! Our Father is the one who picks us up out of the dirt when we’ve been pummeled by sin. Our Father is the one who mercifully welcomes us back when we have purposely strayed, run away from home, and then penitently come crawling back with our tail between our legs. Our Father is the one who protects us from harm and danger, even when we may want to dabble in it! Our Father is the one who takes care of every need, and sometimes even gives us what we want!

We have an incredible Father. Whenever you pray the Lord’s Prayer (even if it’s Luke’s “short” version), breathe a sigh of relief knowing you’re not on your own and you never will be. Amen.

Congressional visit

Congressman Gil Gutknecht, a member of the United States House of Representatives, visited the Bethany Lutheran College campus on March 29, 2005. The congressman met with Willis Anthony, Ph.D., Board of Regents member; President Dan Bruss; and Lance Schwartz, Director of Public Relations. The group discussed various issues pertaining to federal policies regarding higher education. education that lasts beyond a lifetime

Edgewood Place will be ready by fall

B

ethany’s newest residential building now has an official name: Edgewood Place. The facility is being built at the east end of what used to be Edgewood Road near the Communication Center.

The two-story building will house sixty-two junior and senior women in sixteen apartments. Each apartment will have a small kitchen area, a spacious living room, a large bathroom with a double sink, and two sizeable bedrooms. Students and their guests can use a large lounge area on the first floor with a walkout patio located close to a ravine. The building will have laundry facilities on each floor.

The weather has been kind to the construction crews that are in the midst of erecting the building. The unseasonably mild winter and pleasant spring has put construction ahead of schedule.

The contractor for the building, RW Carlstrom, foresees a smooth completion of the project.

Dedication for Edgewood Place is scheduled for June 19, 2005, and is set to open August 1, 2005, just in time for the fall semester.

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athletics

Determination key for Vikings basketball

By Adam Holtz Assistant to the Sports Information Director

T

he Bethany women’s basketball team found the 2004-05 season to be one of changes and adjustments. The Vikings struggled to a 2-12 record (2-23 overall) in their first season of competition in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC), a league dominated by upperclassmen athletes. Still feeling the effects of the transition to four-year competition, Bethany’s squad was composed of an equal mix of freshmen and sophomores, making the first year a challenging one.

“It was exciting to be part of this historic season,” said coach Tiffany Young Klockziem of her second year at the helm.

“There were a lot of challenges this year, but our girls never gave up all season, and that’s the kind of determination it will take to be successful in the UMAC and the NCAA.” That determination finally paid off during the conference season, in the form of second-half comeback victories over both the University of Minnesota-Morris and Crown College.

“Those wins were very hard-fought, because the level of competition in the UMAC is extremely high,” said Young Klockziem. “It’s a very tough conference, but that type of competition only makes a team better.”

A highlight of the season was the team’s trip to the Bahamas in early January. In addition to playing some of the top talent in Division III basketball, the players got the chance to spend some leisure time together, bonding and creating memories of their time as teammates.

Forward Jessica Merseth was a force to be reckoned with on the court. The sophomore finished in the top five in the UMAC in scoring (fourth), rebounding (first), steals (fourth), and blocked shots (second), on her way to garnering First Team All-Conference honors as well

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Photo by Sport PiX

Freshman Amun Bordain scored ten points during a home game against Northwestern on Feb. 4.

as being named to the conference AllDefensive Team. Merseth and sophomore Katie Wiechmann were also named to the UMAC All-Academic Team.

Coach Young Klockziem is excited about what the future holds for Bethany Basketball. “When I look ahead at bringing in talented freshmen to mesh with our experienced upperclassmen, it’s exciting to think about what we will be able to accomplish down the road.”

Men’s team keeps it close In its first season as a member of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, the Bethany men’s basketball team struggled to a 2-12 record (3-22 overall) this season with a team mostly composed of underclassmen. In both UMAC contests and non-conference games, the Vikings took

on some of the best competition in the Midwest. Despite the strength of their opposition, Bethany hung tough—more than half of the season’s contests were single-digit games at halftime—but often, age and experience won out.

The high point of the season came in the Vikings’ final road game, at the University of Minnesota-Morris. Coming into the game, Morris was tied for the lead in the UMAC standings, and would claim at least a share of the conference championship if they won out. Undaunted, Bethany played the role of spoiler, overcoming deficits in both the first and second half to pull out an 82-77 upset, and relegating Morris to a second place finish in the conference standings.

“It was senior day for them, and the conference championship was at stake; Morris had everything to play for,” said second-year coach Rick Jeddeloh. “But all of our guys played to the absolute best of their capabilities for an entire forty minutes of basketball. I was very proud of them.”

The Vikings’ efforts did not go unrewarded. Sophomore guard Ross Libby was named UMAC Academic All-Conference, and freshman guard Dewan Grant garnered a UMAC Player of the Week award in addition to being named UMAC All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Other highlights of the season included playing games in New Jersey over Christmas break and in Florida in early March.

In addition to winning their first game of the season over the holiday trip, the players and coaches took in the sights and sounds of nearby New York City, including the chance to ring in the New Year in Times Square.

Jeddeloh looks to the future with optimism: “I think that by the time our freshmen become upperclassmen, we will be able to challenge every team in the UMAC and compete for a conference championship.” report | spring 2005

campus news

On a multi ethnic

mission

By Paulette Tonn Booker Business, Coordinator of Human Resources

B

ukata Hayes has a dream … that the Bethany Lutheran College campus will be “a place where a free exchange of dialogue between all races, creeds, cultures, and ethnicities is welcome to perhaps alter mindsets, biases and stereotypes, institute a truly diverse and critical thinking facility, and more importantly, carry out the ‘Great Commission’ given to us from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Such is the dream and vision statement of Bethany’s newly-created Multi Ethnic Center.

Hayes’ goals for minority students who utilize the Center are three-fold: assimilation, acceptance, and achievement. When students first arrive on campus, Hayes helps them assimilate into Bethany’s culture by sharing what Bethany is about, how they fit, what they will get out of their experience here, and what they can contribute to the campus. Hayes encourages the students to be involved rather than standing on the outside, looking in.

The second goal, acceptance by peers, faculty, and staff, is equally important. All students come to campus with their own unique identities and cultures. It is vital to their success that each student is valued for their own uniqueness and cultural heritage.

The Center has sponsored several events over the past academic year to aid in this process.

During the fall 2004 semester, two Dakota Indians were featured as guest speakers. John LaBatte, a Dakota Indian, spoke about the Sioux uprising of 1862, incorporating a view of the Christian Indians (a.k.a. blanket Indians). Dr. Elden Lawrence talked about his life experience growing up as a Dakota Indian, focusing on the Dakota worldview, past and present. This spring semester, the Mixed Blood Theatre, from Minneapolis, presented two dramas that discussed the work of Paul Robeson and Martin Luther King, Jr. Other events included a “soul food” dinner on April 30 and a Cinco de Mayo dinner on May 5.

Achievement, the third goal, refers to student educational attainment and preparation for leaving campus to assume leadership roles and responsibilities in their home communities. While the faculty is primarily responsible for student academic preparation, the Multi Ethnic Center serves a vital role that facilitates a networking system that provides mentoring, internship, and job opportunities for these students.

Mission continued on page 9 education that lasts beyond a lifetime

“When students first arrive on campus, Hayes helps them assimilate into Bethany’s culture by sharing what Bethany is about, how they fit, what they will get out of their experience here, and what they can contribute to the campus.”

development news

Students make connection in annual Phone-a-thon

T Sue Kennedy from Midwest Wireless with President Dan Bruss.

Midwest Wireless establishes scholarship Each school year, at Bethany Lutheran College, nearly 200 students receive financial assistance due to the generosity of donors who value and support the mission of the College. Many families, individuals, and businesses have established endowed scholarships that yearly provide over $600,000 in tuition assistance for student scholars at Bethany.

One of the newest endowed scholarships at Bethany was established by Midwest Wireless, LLC through their Community Caring program.

Heritage Society meets The Bethany Lutheran College Heritage Society held their annual luncheon on Saturday, April 23, 2005, on the BLC campus. The Heritage Society is a special group of BLC supporters. To qualify for membership in the society a donor must have given a lifetime total of $10,000 or more to the College or included Bethany in their will or estate planning.

Nearly eighty members of the Society attended the dinner that featured a delicious menu and presentations by students, faculty, and staff. After dinner, the group was treated to a special performance of the Bethany Theatre Department’s spring play, The Imaginary Invalid, in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center Theater.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Society, please contact Art Westphal at Bethany.

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wenty-two Bethany Lutheran College students participated in the 2005 Bethany Phone-a-thon during the months of January and February. The challenge was to contact thousands of alumni, parents, and friends during the five weeks of the Phone-a-thon.

Jessica Kruse, a student caller, was asked about her favorite Phone-a-thon moment.

“I loved listening to people talk about their experiences and how Bethany changed their lives forever.”

The experience of being a Phone-a-thon caller and a Bethany student has changed her life as well. Kruse remarked that she was impressed how fast the goal was not only attained but exceeded. Collectively, the students helped to raise $113,000 in pledges for Bethany’s Annual Fund. This is certainly a demonstration of the dedication and support Bethany alumni have for their alma mater.

The Annual Fund helps to support virtually every aspect of Bethany including daily expenses of the college, academic

Callers (from left) Nina Junius, Emily Tews, and Lucy Tillman were among twenty-two students who contacted alumni, parents, and friends of Bethany during the annual Phone-a-thon.

and faculty development, athletic and fine arts programs, and financial assistance for students. Most importantly, it helps Bethany provide students with an “Education That Lasts Beyond A Lifetime.”

campus news

Faculty and staff anniversaries observed in 2005 From left: Lyle Jones, Health and Human Performance-15 years; Rev. Mark Harstad, Religious Studies25 years; Paul Wold, Bookstore Manager-10 years; William Bukowski, Art-25 years; Gina Moldstad, Admissions Secretary-10 years; Lois Otto, Housekeeping-20 years; Lynette Merseth, Assistant to the President-10 years; Steven Jaeger, Vice President for Student Affairs-20 years; Rev. Mark DeGarmeaux, Religious Studies-10 years; Lance Schwartz, Director of Marketing and Public Relations-15 years Not pictured: Rev. David Thompson, Schwan Center Director/Chaplain-15 years report | spring 2005

Mission continued from page 7

Bethany has graduated two minority students with bachelor’s degrees: Jessica Sacharaison (Asian), a 2003 graduate, is working as an assistant account executive at Roepke Public Relations in Minneapolis.

Braulio Vega (Hispanic), a 2004 graduate, is pursuing a master’s degree in sociology at Minnesota State University, Mankato while working as a security guard at the St. Peter State Regional Treatment Center. In May 2005, Jerome Wardlow became Bethany’s first African-American baccalaureate graduate with a major in Broad Field Social Studies. Wardlow is considering teaching in the Milwaukee public school system as well as attending graduate school to pursue a master’s in secondary education. The number of minority students who enroll at Bethany is expected to increase over the next few years.

Knowing the eternal value of “The One Thing Needful,” Hayes advocates using the Bethany experience as an evangelism tool where spirituality is intertwined with the students’ education. Minority students come from various religious backgrounds.

He attempts to increase their level of spiritual awareness by exposing them to the teachings of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Hayes, himself, came from a different religious setting, but was led to ELS membership through his experience at Bethany Lutheran College.

Hayes is not alone in his dream. The Center’s Advisory Board provides assistance to him in terms of how the Center can interact with faculty and student organizations as it moves towards its vision and goals. Current Board members are Kathy Bruss, Ryan Buch, Steve Jaeger, William Kessel, Adrian Lo, Dan Metzger, and Jean Wiechmann.

The Center has also established the Minority Lutheran Scholarship fund which provides financial assistance to Lutheran minority students. For more information about the Multi Ethnic Center, its activities, and scholarship program, contact Bukata Hayes at 507-344-7577 or by email at buhayes@blc.edu. education that lasts beyond a lifetime

communication

Speech team takes the room in St. Louis

By Jon Loging Speech Team Coach, Communication

“Take the Room” is the motto of the Bethany Speech Team. This simple phrase helps students focus on the fact that when they are speaking, the room and the people in it are in their control.

This motto helps students thrive and grow in these situations.

The Bethany Speech Team took four students to the Pi Kappa Delta National Speech Tournament and Convention in St. Louis, Mo., in March 2005. The tournament, at Webster University in St. Louis, brought over 400 students from 72 different schools together to compete in a variety of public speaking events. This was Bethany’s second time attending the national tournament and convention.

The four students represented Bethany in a variety of events. Rachel Berger, a senior from Belle Plaine, Minn., competed in Program Oral Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation. Rick Jones, a junior from Chisago Lakes, Minn., competed in Poetry Interpretation and Dramatic Duo Interpretation.

Lisa Buchs, a freshman from Rochester, Minn., performed in Informative Speaking and After Dinner Speaking. Buchs also debated with Casey Barnes, a junior from Blue Earth, Minn., in Parliamentary Debate. The four students did an outstanding job.

Pi Kappa Delta awards Superior ratings to the top ten percent of people entered in an event and an Excellent award

Rachel Berger

Lisa Buchs

Rick Jones

Casey Barnes

for the next twenty percent. Excellent awards were given to Rick Jones (Poetry, 26th out of 96 competitors), Rachel Berger (Dramatic Interpretation, 14th out of 87). Rick and Rachel also earned an Excellent award for their Dramatic Duo, coming in 13th out of 48 entries.

Lisa Buchs ended her first year on the Bethany Speech Team with a bang, earning Superior awards in both of her single events. She came in 7th out of 69 people in Informative Speaking and earned 3rd place for After Dinner Speaking in a field of 52 competitors. Overall, Bethany was ranked 35th out of 72 schools at the Pi Kappa Delta tournament. These four students most certainly “took the room!”

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academics

the

chemistry major

By Dr. Eric Woller Chemistry

D

uring my time as a student at Bethany in the early 90s, I had the privilege of taking General and Organic Chemistry from Cynthia Weberg.

Professor Weberg had a profound influence on my decision to pursue chemistry as a career. I have often said that Cynthia Weberg taught me eighty-five percent of what I know about chemistry. The only problem is that I didn’t bother to learn it all until I got to graduate school.

There are other important people that have held this teaching post. President Dan Bruss taught at Bethany until the early 80s. He has since returned to serve as president of the college. Cal Johnson, who many people remember as the financial aid director, preceded President Bruss as chemistry instructor.

Johnson is retired and is now bothering fish and losing golf balls in Northern Minnesota.

Students that attended Bethany while any of these individuals were teaching chemistry will remember the old chemistry lab in Luther Hall. This space served us well for many years, but with the elevation of chemistry to a major course of study at Bethany, it was clear this space would no longer be adequate.

The chemistry department, along with the rest of the sciences and mathematics, has found a new home in the Marvin G. Meyer Hall of Science and Mathematics. The building has been a great blessing for chemistry. We have already made good use of the space available, and continue to take full advantage of the building’s many advanced features.

The building is equipped with a number of new and state-of-the-art instruments. The chemistry Chemistry continued on page 11

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report | spring 2005

Chemistry continued from page 10

department is equipped with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), a gas chromatograph (GC), an ultraviolet/visible spectrometer (UV-Vis), a highpressure liquid chromatograph (HPLC), a schlenk inert gas/vacuum line, inert gas glove box and many other instruments.

We are currently in the process of purchasing a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Apologies for the technical jargon, but chemists get a little excited about things like this. These instruments are critical for the support of our chemistry major, and we are blessed to have them.

While a nice building and good instruments are a necessary component to a solid chemistry major, the other two important ingredients are dedicated faculty and a well-designed curriculum.

Bethany’s chemistry department employs two full-time professors. I have been at Bethany since 1997 with a threeyear hiatus during which Bethany allowed me to finish my Ph.D. at Montana State University. When I left in 1999, Dr. Matt Riehl replaced me and has been here ever since. Riehl earned his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois and came to us from Ball State. Riehl and I complement each other quite well as he is an inorganic chemist and I am an organic chemist.

The curriculum of the Bethany chemistry department has changed also. Bethany’s chemistry major is designed to support all types of academic goals. The major prepares students for careers in chemistry-related fields and for advanced studies in graduate, medical, pharmacy, and veterinary schools (among other medically-related fields). It has been designed around the requirements of the American Chemical Society. The chemistry program at Bethany is equal in quality and rigor to the programs at most other colleges. We are committed to offering the best education possible to our students.

While offering a chemistry major is an important facet of the department, we also support the general education requirements and strive to make chemistry accessible to education that lasts beyond a lifetime

Bethany students Peter Kratz, (left), and Elizabeth Peterson conduct an experiment with Dr. Woller in one of the many chemistry labs located in the Marvin G. Meyer Hall of Science and Mathematics.

Students Andrew Gullixson, and Jamie Hughey perform air and water-sensitive reactions in the inert atmosphere glove box.

Chemistry demonstrations, such as this thermite reaction, are conducted periodically for the campus community.

all students. During the coming fall semester, a course titled “The Chemistry of Art” will be offered. This general education course teaches the basic concepts of chemistry by studying the myriad of chemical phenomena found in art.

Over the past few years a number of things have changed—some small, some big, and some very big. But there is one thing that has not changed: the focus on the “One Thing Needful,” the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Everything we do centers

around this cornerstone. During the study of chemistry, our students get the opportunity to look closely at what God put in place during the six days of Creation and has sustained ever since. One of our main goals is to graduate well-trained and welleducated chemistry majors. At Bethany that also includes instilling strong Christian character, ethics, stewardship, and faith—and that is what makes Bethany Lutheran College unique.

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campus news

Moldstad accepts call to position at Bethany

By Leslee Umphrey Bethany Senior, Communication Major

A

familiar face to many, Rev. Donald Moldstad has recently been called to be the Director of Campus Spiritual Life at Bethany. The duties of this position include the oversight and organization of the chapel services, preaching in chapel, teaching religion classes at Bethany, setting up spiritual activities on campus such as Bible studies, and organizing Travel Canvass opportunities. While doing all of this, Moldstad will still preach at ELS congregations occasionally and provide spiritual counseling in some Lutheran high schools.

“I accepted this Call to serve at Bethany because I was convinced that the Lord could best utilize my abilities at this time to work among the college students. I have always had a love for the College and for working with young people,” said Moldstad. The Board of Regents, representing the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, extended the Call to Moldstad at their February meeting.

Moldstad said, “It is my hope that the Lord will use me to continue in the tradition of the many faithful servants of His Word who have taught and Rev. Donald Moldstad preached at Bethany. We have been blessed with a wonderful heritage which I intend to help preserve and spread among the student body.”

He also said that the campus provides many opportunities to bring the truth of God’s saving Word to those who have not been so blessed to have it in their background.

“My ultimate goal is to lead young people to Christ, our Savior, and help them build a strong foundation in Him that will last throughout their lives.”

Moldstad was born in Iowa and moved to Mankato with his family in 1965 when his father was called to teach at Bethany.

He attended church and grade school at Mt. Olive Lutheran, where he most recently served as pastor. He went to high school at Martin Luther Academy in New Ulm, Minn., and graduated in 1976. He then attended Bethany for two years and graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a bachelor of fine arts degree. He attended Bethany Lutheran Theolgical Seminary and was ordained in the summer of 1985.

Moldstad served as pastor of ELS churches in Minneapolis, Minn., and Naples, Fla. He has been the pastor at Mt. Olive for ten years. Moldstad has also served on the ELS Board for Education and Youth for nearly twenty years.

Moldstad met his wife, Gina (Hassler), while she was attending Bethany. They were married in December 1980 and have two children who are currently attending Bethany. Gina also works at Bethany in the admissions department.

We welcome Rev. Moldstad to Bethany Lutheran College.

Admissions staff

B

ethany Lutheran College’s admissions counselors can help with any of your questions regarding the admissions process at BLC. To talk to any member of the Admissions Department, call our toll-free number at 800-944-3066. You can also find admissions information on our Web site at: www.blc.edu/ admissions.

Pictured from left to right are: Linda Loge, Associate Dean of Admissions; Abby Marozick, Admissions Counselor; Don Westphal, Dean of Admissions; Estelle Tesch, Admissions Counselor; Ryan Buch, Admissions Counselor.

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report | spring 2005

We want to hear from you alumni

news

We need your personal and professional updates to include in our alumni news.

You may also submit alumni news by emailing it to alumni@blc.edu. Post your news online by visiting our Web site at www.blc.edu and click on the My Account link.

Name___________________________________________________________________________ Class year__________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________________________

History trip to see Great Britain planned for 2006

City____________________________________________ State___________________________ Zip ________________________

Bethany Lutheran College Professor of History, Dr. John Boubel, will be leading a Medieval-Renaissance History group tour to Great Britain during the summer of 2006. The trip will last approximately ten days in mid-August. The theme will be English political, military, religious, and social history from the Early Middle Ages through the Renaissance. Complete details will be available in September at the start of the new school year.

Participants will visit palaces, castles, cathedrals, and other sites from different periods, including the following sites: • Westminster Abbey (above) • Tower of London • Globe Theatre • Hampton Court • British Library • British Museum • Cambridge University • Canterbury Cathedral • Bodiam Castle

news (attach additional information and photos as necessary)

education that lasts beyond a lifetime

Spouse’s name __________________________________________________________________ Class year __________________

(first name/maiden or birth/current last name)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

birth/adoption announcement Parents’ names______________________________________________________________________________________________ Name___________________________________________________________________________ Class year__________________

(first name/maiden or birth/current last name) Spouse’s name __________________________________________________________________ Class year __________________

(first name/maiden or birth/current last name) [ ] Daughter’s name

[ ] Son’s name_________________________________________________________________________ First Middle Last

Date of Birth____________________________________ Place of Birth_______________________________________________

marriage announcement

#

For more information, you may contact Dr. Boubel by calling the college at 800-944-3066, via email at jboubel@blc.edu, or tour counselor Paul Helland at 651-890-4200.

Phone ( _________ ) ______________________________ Email______________________________________________________

Name___________________________________________________________________________ Class year__________________

(first name/maiden or birth/current last name) Spouse’s name __________________________________________________________________ Class year __________________

(first name/maiden or birth/current last name) Date of Marriage ________________________________ Current Residence __________________________________________

Cut out (or photocopy) and send to: Alumni News, Bethany Lutheran College, 700 Luther Drive, Mankato, MN 56001

13

alumni news

alumni

news 1935 Beatrice (Swenson) Enter was featured at the Nicollet County Historical Society annual meeting held January 16, 2005.

She was also interviewed on “Know Your Community,” Saint Peter, Minnesota, Public Access TV, and the movie “Stranded” was aired at the Treaty Site in Saint Peter on February 6 for the public to view. They wrote in part: “The Armistice Day Blizzard of 1940 in Nicollet County” will be featured at the annual meeting.

During the sudden snowstorm of sixty-five years ago that left forty-nine Minnesotans dead, rural Nicollet County schoolteacher Bea Swenson-Enter and a number of her students were stranded overnight in the one-room District 46 schoolhouse near New Sweden. In 1957, “Stranded,” a made-forTV movie about the blizzard’s impact on the school, debuted on ABC’s “Telephone Time” series starring Academy Awardwinning actress Bette Davis. Mrs. Enter was a consultant in Hollywood on the filming.” She also appeared in a Mankato Free Press article about the events on January 17, 2005.

1938 Marjorie (Busness) Runquist recently moved back to Pennsylvania and is living with her daughter, Barbara, and family.

She is enjoying being with her children and grandchildren.

1948 Lois (Weise) Schaetzel reports that the Lord has blessed her with four children (all married), ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She has been widowed for twelve years and enjoys her family and her church family, too. Lois was recently in Colorado to witness the baptism of her youngest great-grandchild.

Helen (Naumann) Spitzack and her husband recently moved from their farm in Morristown, Minn., to the city of Faribault, Minn.

1949 Betty Lou (Stoll) Hauser is a retired elementary school principal. She is teaching English as a second language at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tucson, Ariz., where she also sings in the choir.

She is enjoying watching her grandchildren grow up.

Waldo Tagatz is a retired Rochester, Minn., Public School principal. He and his wife spend time at their Wisconsin cabin and part of the winter in Florida visiting their children and grandchildren.

His email address is: wecjtatz@aol.com.

1951 Joan (Teuchert) Closs reports that her youngest grandchild will be two on June 7.

Margaret (Tjernagel) Annexstad reports that her husband, Ingvald J., passed away on January 21, 2005, at his home.

Funeral services were held at Norseland Lutheran Church, Norseland, Minn.

Donald and Jean (Kangas ’52) Mahnke are “Laborers for Christ.” This is an LCMS organization that helps build church facilities. They helped with two projects, one in Palestine, Tex., and the other in Boone, Iowa, and had a wonderful experience. The Mahnkes celebrated their fiftieth anniversary on October 16, 2004.

1946

1953

1941

Dorothy (Rohde) Tooley reports that she now has five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

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Lon and Miriam (Jungemann) Meyer celebrated fifty years of marriage in July 2004 at Lake Shetek, Minn. A group

of BLC friends were in attendance including bridal party members: Mary (Jungemann ’52) Page, Arthur Meyer (’52), Janelle (Jungemann ’54) Myers, Joel Albrecht, and Neil Jungemann (’56). Lon and Miriam have been living in Phoenix, Ariz., since 1987 and have enjoyed visits from Bethany friends.

1955 Peter and Carolyn (Schneider ’56) Harstad announce the birth of their grandson, Jack Walter Harstad, born on December 4, 2004. His parents are Tiffany and Mark P. Harstad (’87).

Richard Maginnis is planning a class reunion in the fall for the class of 1955.

If interested contact Andrew Madson or Richard Maginnis at 863-646-5947 or email rhm.mem@verizon.net.

1956 Allan Bostelmann has been writing, speaking, and organizing for Every Church a Peace Church (ECAPC) and Veterans for Peace. The ECAPC movement is an attempt to return mainline Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox congregations back to Jesus and the early church understanding of nonviolent love of both friends and enemies. He also continues to work with mental health clients as an outreach therapist through Mental Health Resources in Saint Paul and coordinates the Plymouth DropIn Center in Minneapolis. His wife, Margaret, has retired but consults from time-to-time for Minneapolis Public Schools in special education.

Douglas and Dorothy (Smith) Lehman became great-grandparents on January 18, 2005 with the arrival of Emma Lorraine.

1958 Neil Jungemann tells us about his son, Owen, who recently graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in linguistics. He is furthering his education at Harvard of China in Beijing. report | spring 2005

alumni news 1959 Harold Natvig retired from teaching school after thirty-seven years. He has been selling real estate for sixteen years.

Hal was married to Marsha Wulf in November 2004 and has four grandchildren. He urges friends and acquaintances to “call when you’re in the area.”

1960 Vivian (Unseth) Weseloh has been retired from teaching since 1998 and enjoys working part-time at a nearby retirement home doing office work.

1963 Beverly (Krueger) Harmann now has six grandchildren and is expecting a seventh in August 2005.

1964 Dale Anderson is still happily married to Carol (Solli ’66) and they now have three grandchildren.

Melvin Fadness retired from Lockheed Martin in October 2004. At Lockheed he received the highest employee award possible, the President’s Award. He had previously retired from the US Navy where he was a Senior Chief earning numerous medals and awards including the Air Commanding Commendation from the United Kingdom (British) Air Force. Mel has seven grandchildren. His grandson, Manuel, was a 2002 Latin Grammy Nominee and has several recordings in distribution. Mel and his wife, Carol, live in San Jose, Calif. Their retirement plans are to follow their grandchildren’s careers, build yard ornaments and airplanes for kids, travel, and work on his geneology.

Herman Harstad has retired as a social worker with Milwaukee County, Wisc., after nearly thirty-five years. He enjoys reading, walking, playing the piano, and golfing. He volunteers with Wisconsin Lutheran Institutional Ministries teaching Bible studies in the county jail and education that lasts beyond a lifetime

mentoring a young adult who is on probation.

Easton (8) and Brennan (1). Their son, Jonathan, is 25.

1965

1970

Elaine (Voth) Steffen is thrilled to have twelve grandchildren with the thirteenth expected soon.

Marvin and Wanda (Olmanson) Berke’s son, Spencer, married Tara Pease

1967 Linda (Reiter) Becker is proud to announce the birth of her tenth grandchild in October 2004.

Douglas Strand received his second master’s degree on January 8, 2005, in materials science and engineering from the University of Delaware-Newark.

His first was in physics in 1982 from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Doug’s daughter, Julie Ann Strand, received her bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in May 2004 with a double major in English and human development. His aunt, Josephine Strand, passed away at the age of 105 in Sun Prairie, Wisc.

1968 Janice (Ausen) Stadler is proud to announce that she has three grandchildren: Carter (3-1/2) and twins Dalton and Allison (18 months).

1969 Mark Jaeger writes about his children.

His daughter, Rachel, is soon to be married. His son, Benjamin, will graduate from Martin Luther College and will be going to China to teach English.

Fay (Grossman) Burmeister is thrilled to announce the birth of her grandson, Benjamin, in November 2004. He joins a sister, Avery (3).

Oakleigh Natvig is a teacher and coach at Crestwood High School in Cresco, Iowa. His wife, Holly, is a special education consultant at Area Education Agency. Their daughter, Kendra (29) and her husband, Steve, have two children:

on October 23, 2004. Bethany alumni and uncles Larry Berke (’62) and Donald Berke (’66) were in attendance as well as grandparents Duane and Marilyn (Hanson ’49) Olmanson. Their daughter, Melissa, is engaged to LeRoy Barnharnt and will be married October 8, 2005. Marvin has worked for five years with Dairyland Seed as a district sales manager and Wanda has worked ten years as an executive assistant at Rockford Memorial Hospital.

Lamar Petersen and his wife, Linda, are proud grandparents of six, including triplets and twins. The Petersens make their home in Emmons, Minn.

1971 Rev. Burgess Huehn was installed as pastor of the tri-parish of First English Lutheran Church, Ashland, Wisc., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hurley, Wisc., and Bethany Lutheran Church, Bruce Crossing, Mich., on October 31, 2004.

Previously he had been serving First English and St. Paul’s since July 1993.

1972 Everend and Virginia (Kehren) Thorne are now grandparents. Their daughter, Catherine (’02) and Kelly Wells became parents of Mariana Marcella on September 22, 2004.

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alumni news 1973 Ron Blado is living in Ellsworth, Wisc., and working for an electrical distribution cooperative.

Mark and Virginia Blum are still living in Salem, Ore. Mark is working for Office Max and Ginger is working for the school district. They encourage friends to visit them.

1976 Audrey (Kletscher) Helbling works as a freelance writer. She is currently writing for Minnesota Moments, a new St. Cloud-based lifestyles magazine. Audrey has also had several greeting card verses published by Warner Press, a Christian publishing company.

1977 John Holte and his wife, Laura, recently adopted a baby girl. They named her Natalie Suzanna. Natalie was born on August 25, which is the same day of John and Laura’s wedding anniversary.

Daniel Loe tells us of his daughter who will be graduating from Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School this spring and will be attending Bethany in the fall 2005.

grandson, Devin Michael, on February 3, 2005. He joins a brother, Anthony, who is sixteen months.

Darla (LaRoque) Haseltine is pursuing her master’s degree at Bethel Seminary in Children’s and Family Ministry.

Nancy (Werner) Schauff and her husband, Greg, live in Minneapolis, Minn. Greg works for the Teacher’s Retirement Association. Nancy keeps busy homeschooling their two children: Joey (9) and Maggie (5).

1981 Deborah (Lillegard) Blumer is now teaching Spanish full-time at Green Mountain High School where her son, David, attends as a freshman.

Rev. Mark Schoeneck was married on July 17, 2005 to Delores.

1983

1979

1985

1980 Cynthia (Budach) Boyd has been a US Bank employee for twenty-five years.

Her son, Andrew, is a freshman at Martin Luther College and daughter, Melissa, is a senior at West Lutheran High School and will attend Bethany in the fall. She is proud to announce the birth of a second 16

Curtis Nelson lives in Baxter, Minn., with his wife, Kim, and their four children: Andrew (14), Christopher (12), Brooke (10), and Dustin (6) along with their dog, Sassy. Curt works for the Post Office.

ReNae (Kaelberer) Tangen, and her husband, Robert, are pleased to announce the birth of Clara Loine, born December 4, 2004. She is welcomed by big sisters Grace (5) and Madelyn (3).

1987 Grace (Wessel) Hennig and her husband, Rev. Brian, of New London, Wisc., are

1984

Virginia Hagel spends her time volunteering at the Winneshiek Hospital in Decorah, Iowa, at the information desk.

Ann (Hougan) Swain announces that her daughters, Alyssa and Amber, will be attending the University of Kentucky.

Kristine (Zimmer) Maiers and her husband, Anthony, are proud to announce the birth of their son, Chase Anthony, who was born on September 14, 2004.

Janet (Mueller) Behning is enjoying being a full-time mom of five children, two of whom were adopted from South Korea.

Jane (Scott) Nelson is a retired chef since 2002. She is a stay-at-home mom and works from home. She is a property manager, her church’s secretary, and Sunday School superintendent. Her daughter, Cori, is ten.

1978

1986

Ronald Ecker has been married since 1994 to Carrie and they have two children. Mary was born in 1995 and Sam joined them in 1997. Both children attend Crown of Life Lutheran School in West St. Paul, Minn. The Eckers are active in their church as well as helping out with Sunday School, church council, VBS, and, Ron’s favorite, puppet theater.

Carrie is a registered nurse at United Hospital in St. Paul and Ron works for a retail chain of bookstores.

happy to announce the arrival of Natalie Grace on August 2, 2004. Natalie joins sister Molly (7) and brother Christian (4).

1989 Michael Schauer is proud to announce the birth of his third daughter, Megan, who was born on April 9, 2004. She joins her sisters Abby and Jenny.

1990 J. Philipp and Kimberly (Klaustermeier ’91) Augustine are proud to announce the birth of their fourth child, Hanna, born on June 25, 2004.

report | spring 2005

alumni news Eric Casteel is married to Angela and they have three children: Isabella, Owen, and Urban.

James Bjornlund is proud to announce his engagement to Kari Phillips. They will be married in August 2005 in Saint Paul by his father who is a pastor in the ELCA. Jennifer (Hazelett) Lemay has been blessed with a daughter, Elizabeth Rose, who was born on August 4, 2004. She joined her sister, Hannah (3) and brother, Andrew (9).

Robin (Larson) Ouren has been married to Eric (Bethany art professor) for twelve

years. She is an at-home mom, homeschooling their two children: Beret (10) and Peder (6). She still loves music, art, and history but doesn’t know what she will be when she grows up.

Melissa (Ziebell) Dobberphul is enjoying her son, Haden, who was born on May 12, 2004.

Philip Elert, born August 13, 2004. He joins a brother, Chais (3).

1992 Ann (Heiring) Anderson and her husband, Scott, are currently residing in

Blaine, Minn., with their three children: Samantha (4), Trent (3), and Colin (1).

Ann is a stay-at-home mom.

Heidi (Richert) Brase and her husband, Robert, are happy to be homeowners in

Oren and Karen Quist are pleased to announce the wedding of their son, Scot,

and his wife, Mandy. Their wedding took place June 26, 2004. Those in the picture are (l to r) Oren, Karen, Mandy, Scot, Grant, Masen, Peter (’87), Eric.

1991 Colleen (Klima) Elert and her husband, Thomas, are pleased to announce their newest addition, Christian Richard education that lasts beyond a lifetime

the small town of Eagle, near Lincoln, Neb., where they have been able to do a lot of decorating, gardening, and landscaping. Heidi works part-time as a labor and delivery nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Robert is employed at Brase Electrical in Omaha. They are kept busy with their energetic three-year old daughter, Rebekah, and one-year old son, Alexander. Heidi would appreciate hearing from Bethany friends at 402781-2277.

James McGarigle is married to Kris. They have three girls: Jackie (10), Jennifer (6), and Jasmine (4), and one boy, Colin (1).

Jim is self-employed as an ancient and world coin dealer. Kris works at a local hospital as a director. The family resides in Stevens Point, Wisc. Jim is an officer in the local Republican Party and was a George W. Bush county coordinator. He is currently working to keep ancient and world coin collecting legal. Jim is hoping friends will contact him.

Rev. Gregory and Julia (Tweit ’96) Schmidt announce the birth of their son, Anders Milton, born August 25, 2004. He joins a brother, Bjug (3) and a sister, Karina (2).

Jason and Johanna (Walters ’93) Tweit are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter, Alexis Faith, who was born August 3, 2004. Alexis joins big brother, Tyler, who just turned 12.

Tyler adores his new baby sister.

1993 Rachel (Schneider) Lowrey stays busy with her piano studio and three children: Abigail (9), Allison (6), and Adam (3).

1995 Laura (Frederick) Albers will be graduating from St. Mary’s University with her master’s degree in education. She continues to teach third grade in Cannon Falls, Minn.

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alumni news Tricia (Lastine) Goette is proud to announce the birth of her son, Nathan Wesley, on January 20, 2005.

Anne Hansen was married in June 2004 to Andrew Mundt. They live in Houston, Tex., where Andrew runs operations for a mortgage servicing company and Anne works as a speech/language pathologist in the public school system.

Emily (Klatt) Zehnder and her husband, Kurt, welcomed their daughter, Jadah Rae, on July 1, 2003. Their other children are: Cody (8) and Madison (6). They have recently moved to follow a life-long dream of living in the mountains of Montana and working on a ranch. They are “loving it dearly.” This move has given them the opportunity to see what life is about again.

Rev. Erich and Gerilynn (Nelson) Hoeft reside in Clara City, Minn., where Erich received his first call as a pastor.

Geri works in Willmar at Oral/Facial Surgery as a medical assistant.

1996

Heather (Kastens) Minning and her husband, Michael, are parents of two children: Isaiah (2) and Abigail (6 months).

Garry and Jennifer (Moll) Kimble are living in Indianapolis, Ind. Garry has been working at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for the last six years and is also the JV head coach at Greenfield Central High School in Greenfield, Ind.

Matthew Pfeil graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in May 2004 with an MSE in PK-12 School Guidance Counseling. He then went to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where his parents are doing mission work. He was married to Alya Kotova on August 7, 2004. While there, Matt taught counseling processes and procedures to seminary students. He also taught English as a second language at a local school. They returned in November 2004 and are currently living in Superior, Wisc. Their email address is matt_and_alya@charter.net.

Michael Dibbini was hired as the head men’s and women’s soccer coach at Kansas Wesleyan University. He will be married to Trina Bierman on July 30, 2005.

Tanya (Johnson) McCarlson is excited to be having another child in June of 2005.

Jonathan Marozick and Abigail Proeber (’01) were married August 7, 2004 at

Heidi Smith was married October 2, 2004, to Jeremy Ritchie in Janesville, Minn. They live in Waseca, Minn.

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1997 Erica Busiahn received her bachelor of science degree from the College of St. Catherine in Saint Paul, Minn.

Kari Dietel recently served in the Army and spent time in South Korea and Iraq.

She is now home and enjoying raising her baby, Jaidynn, who was born September 25, 2004.

Jason Jaspersen and his wife, Jennifer, live in New Ulm, Minn., with their two children: Maida (2) and Teddy (1). Jason teaches art at Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School.

Dana (Spatz) Remien is proud to announce the birth of her second child, Meka, on January 20, 2005.

1998

Daniel Prehn has been blessed with a wonderful daughter, Alexis, who is two years old. He is recently divorced and still living in the Portland, Ore., area.

Jadene (Handschke) Ridinger and her husband, Douglas (’98), just celebrated the first birthday of their daughter, Brianne, and look forward to the impending birth of their son this spring.

Miranda Umphrey (’99) were personal attendants. Other Bethany alumni involved in the wedding included organist John Baumann (’98), florist Gina (Hassler ’80) Moldstad, vocalist Megan (Armbrecht ’99) Merseth, photographer Charis Carmichael (’04), and officiants Rev. Mark Marozick (’67) and Rev. Donald Moldstad (’78). Jon and Abby reside in Mankato and work at Bethany Lutheran College. Jon is a member of the information technology department and a part-time professor. Abby is an admissions counselor.

Angela (Staerkel) and Brian Moore (’97) announce the birth of their second Bethany’s Trinity Chapel. Bethany alumni in the wedding party were maid of honor Amy Proeber (’00), bridesmaids Mery Bartos (’00), Christine Agenten (’01), and JoHanna Marozick (’01), best man Paul Marozick (’99), groomsmen Chad Bloedel (’99), and Paul Agenten (’03).

Joseph Becker (’99), Nathan Fehr (’01), and Ryan Zeldenrust (’96), were ushers and Meghan Huska (’99), and

son, Samuel James, on August 10, 2004.

Their oldest son, Christian, is now three.

Brian is working as a letter carrier in the report | spring 2005

alumni news city of Oshkosh and Annie is a stay-athome mom taking care of their two sons and a neighbor child. Annie and Brian will be married seven years in June.

1999 Nathan Borchardt and Trisha Tolzman (’00) were united in marriage on Septem-

ber 4, 2004 at Holy Rosary Church in North Mankato, Minn. The father of the bride is Alan Tolzman (’70). Taci Tolzman, a current student at BLC, was the maid of honor. Breann Halvorson (’03) was a bridesmaid and Tiffany (Hatlevig ’00) Latzke was the personal attendant. Daniel Wortel (’00) was an usher. Nate and Trish currently reside in Belle Plaine, Minn. Nate is the customer service manager for Minnesota Valley Wholesale in Shakopee and Trisha is the marketing director for a retirement community in Prior Lake.

Rebecca (Merseth) Shattuck and her husband, Jeff, announce that Kajsa Onnette joined their family in August 2003. Her brother, Dain, has been a helpful and protective big brother to her.

Jeff accepted a new job as VP of mortgage lending at an Anchor Bank Branch and Rebecca has started her own company called Red Fern Design, doing graphic design. They found a home on a lake and moved to Zimmerman, Minn., in 2003.

2000 Ann (Terhurne) Schull is proud to announce the birth of her daughter, Sydney, who is now eight months old.

education that lasts beyond a lifetime

2001 Antonio Orr is currently playing with a semi-professional basketball team called Crossfire which travels and plays internationally.

Alison (Jose) Schroeder (’79) sadly announces the death of Rev. R. Desmond Jose (’55) on Oct. 8, 2004.

Rev. Jose graduated from Bethany Lutheran Seminary.

Scott Tillman is currently employed at Americans For Limited Government. He is working to protect term limits in South Dakota, Michigan, Nebraska, Arkansas, Arizona, and Florida. His email address is scott@tillmans.net.

Norm Harms (’55), of St. Louis, Mo., was called to his eternal home on May 17, 2005. He had battled cancer for several years.

Mark Davidson is currently living in Milwaukee, Wisc., and works at the WELS headquarters in the Church Extension Fund as head of investment operations. When Mark is not at work he is serving as organist for seven WELS parishes in the greater Milwaukee area and a parish in Illinois. He enjoys visiting his family in Wausau, Wisc., when he is not at the organ bench on weekends.

Mark would enjoy hearing from classmates from the class of 2001.

What can you do at www.blc.edu

2002

• Check a Reminder box to send an update notice for one, two, three, six months, or once a year to keep your online news current

Cristobal Stange wrote to us from Paris, France, where he is pursuing an MBA at Instead, expecting to graduate in 2005.

He says, “Life is great: I have good friends and learn lots. No women in my life so far… My goal is to work this summer in Switzerland and in the near future go back to Chile.”

2003 Tasha Ruser is currently employed at BlueSheet Marketing, a part of Taylor Corporation, as a marketing specialist.

She is also in the process of starting her own wedding-planning business.

in memoriam Arlene (Pantzlaff ’56) Mease passed from this life on December 28, 2004, in Green Bay, Wisc., due to complications of diabetes. Her survivors include sons Dwayne, Brian, Jeffrey, and six grandchildren.

?

• Upload A Photo to accompany your latest alumni news

• Join the Chat room and connect with fellow alumni all over the world • Sign up for FREE Lifetime Email and show your Viking pride to all those you email yourname@alum.blc.edu • Click on the Ways To Give link to check out information on Annual Giving, Planned Giving, setting up Scholarships, and Gift Matching opportunities

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address service requested

Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Minneapolis, MN PERMIT No. 4656

700 Luther Drive Mankato, Minnesota 56001-6163 education that lasts beyond a lifetime

Calendar of Events june 13 Registration Day 13-24 Young Michaelangelo Art Camp Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center 17 Joel Laube Memorial

Golf Tournament Lakeville, Minn., 1 p.m.

19-23 2005 ELS Convention South Gym, SFC 19-23 ELS Honor Choir Camp Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center 20-24 Minnesota Private College Week

july 18 Madison Golf Classic Madison, Wisc., 1 p.m.

august 1 Bethany Sports Classic Mankato Golf Club, 10:45 a.m.

8 Open House Bethany Lutheran College, 9 a.m.

27 Residence Halls Open, 8 a.m.

28 Opening Service South Gym, SFC, 3:30 p.m.

29 Orientation and Registration 30 Classes Begin, 8 a.m.

Bethany Fall Festival Alumni Reunions, Homecoming 2005 September 23-25 Arts on the Green Alumni Weekend Choral and Band Performances Family Weekend Theatre Physics Performance Worship Service September 26 Bethany Auxiliary Day

About Bethany Lutheran College Bethany Lutheran College, owned and operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, is a private, residential, liberal arts college with a commitment to the teachings of the Bible as set forth in the Lutheran Confessions. The college serves Lutherans and others by offering a challenging, student-centered approach to education that fosters spiritual development, intellectual and creative growth, self-understanding, and responsible citizenship. In keeping with its heritage, Bethany aspires to produce students with a clear understanding of Christian vocation, which calls people to make the most of their God-given talents in whatever walk of life they pursue.

Location: Bethany is located in Mankato, Minnesota, an area of approximately 52,000 residents (eighty miles southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul).

Campus: Overlooking the beautiful Minnesota River Valley, the campus occupies fifty acres with thirteen buildings and two athletic fields.

Enrollment: While Bethany is continually growing, the average full-time enrollment is 515 students, with approximately thirty additional part-time students.

Bachelor of Arts degree: Sixteen majors and seventeen minors are offered.

For more information, please visit www.blc.edu.

Schwan Center upcoming programs Located in the North Woods of Wisconsin (two hours from the Twin Cities and one hour from Duluth/Superior) the Schwan Center, associated with Bethany Lutheran College, offers affordable prices, excellent food, and wonderful facilities in the midst of 700 acres of beautiful lakes, pines, trails, and wildlife.

Upcoming Schwan Center Programs

• Confessional Christian Worldview Seminar: June 26-July 2, 2005

A seven-day seminar assisting Christ’s Church on earth in understanding how popular cultural and religious trends conflict with the biblical worldview.

• Soccer Camp: July 31 - August 5, 2005 - Boys and Girls, Ages 13-18

Soccer With Skill – The way it was meant to be played Excellent facilities, superb instructors, evening Bible studies, swimming, and canoeing are all part of this program.

For more information or to register, visit www.schwancenter.org or call 1-800-577-4848.

Key: SFC – Sports and Fitness Center; YFAC – Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center. Dates and times are subject to possible changes.

Please call in advance to confirm dates and times of events before traveling: 800.944.3066 or 507.344.7000.

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